Shiva, she said, is far beyond the thought
    Of such as you:  then speak no more to me. 
  Dull crawlers hate the splendid wonders wrought
    By lofty souls untouched by rivalry.

  They search for wealth, whom dreaded evil nears,
    Or they who fain would rise a little higher;
  The world’s sole refuge neither hopes nor fears
    Nor seeks the objects of a small desire.

  Yes, he is poor, yet he is riches’ source;
    This graveyard-haunter rules the world alone;
  Dreadful is he, yet all beneficent force: 
    Think you his inmost nature can be known?

  All forms are his; and he may take or leave
    At will, the snake, or gem with lustre white;
  The bloody skin, or silk of softest weave;
    Dead skulls, or moonbeams radiantly bright.

  For poverty he rides upon a bull,
    While Indra, king of heaven, elephant-borne,
  Bows low to strew his feet with beautiful,
    Unfading blossoms in his chaplet worn.

  Yet in the slander spoken in pure hate
    One thing you uttered worthy of his worth: 
  How could the author of the uncreate
    Be born?  How could we understand his birth?

  Enough of this!  Though every word that you
    Have said, be faithful, yet would Shiva please
  My eager heart all made of passion true
    For him alone.  Love sees no blemishes.

In response to this eloquence, the youth throws off his disguise, appearing as the god Shiva himself, and declares his love for her.  Parvati immediately discontinues her religious asceticism; for “successful effort regenerates.”

Sixth canto.  Parvati is given in marriage.—­While Parvati departs to inform her father of what has happened, Shiva summons the seven sages, who are to make the formal proposal of marriage to the bride’s parents.  The seven sages appear, flying through the air, and with them Arundhati, the heavenly model of wifely faith and devotion.  On seeing her, Shiva feels his eagerness for marriage increase, realising that

  All actions of a holy life
  Are rooted in a virtuous wife.

Shiva then explains his purpose, and sends the seven sages to make the formal request for Parvati’s hand.  The seven sages fly to the brilliant city of Himalaya, where they are received by the mountain god.  After a rather portentous interchange of compliments, the seven sages announce their errand, requesting Parvati’s hand in behalf of Shiva.  The father joyfully assents, and it is agreed that the marriage shall be celebrated after three days.  These three days are spent by Shiva in impatient longing.

Seventh canto.  Parvati’s wedding.—­The three days are spent in preparations for the wedding.  So great is Parvati’s unadorned beauty that the waiting-women can hardly take their eyes from her to inspect the wedding-dress.  But the preparations are complete at last; and the bride is beautiful indeed.